New venture aims to bring jobs to Penn-North

Venture aims to help neighborhood impacted by riots

A new venture is taking off in Baltimore that officials said is all about growth and involves two universities, businesses and several neighborhoods. Penn-North, one of the focal points for unrest in Baltimore last April, is becoming the village center of a public-private collaboration. Under the sign indicating a pharmacy heavily damaged by fire during the turmoil is coming back came the announcement of Innovation Village, the organizers calling it an opportunity zone.

A new venture is taking off in Baltimore that officials said is all about growth and involves two universities, businesses and several neighborhoods.

Penn-North, one of the focal points for unrest in Baltimore last April, is becoming the village center of a public-private collaboration. Under the sign indicating a pharmacy heavily damaged by fire during the turmoil is coming back came the announcement of Innovation Village, the organizers calling it an opportunity zone.

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"This has to benefit all of the residents. Not some residents, all of the residents," said Richard May, with the Mount Royal Community Development Corp. "Every person should be able to have a job, to have access to the jobs and have a job that can pay a living wage and create opportunities for their household and their community."

The purpose is to reinvest and rehabilitate relying on the strengths and creativity of the universities, technology-based and small businesses.

"Ultimately, what we sought to do was engage, include, collaborate, create and activate all those human and physical and economic riches we have around us, which we see here today," May said.

It includes communities located between Mondawmin Mall, Coppin State University, the Maryland Institute College of Art and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

"Even here in these communities where we stand today, one-third of all black men are unemployed, and that's not because they don't have talent. It's because they lack access and opportunity," May said.

A community youth organizer warned against people in the communities remaining complacent.

"Don't expect to anything. Do not expect to be included in a process if you don't participate. Do not expect results if you do not take advantage of the opportunities presented," said Shadow, a youth organizer.

Residents from Reservoir Hill and Bolton Hill are excited about the prospects.

"Optimism. I been on Reservoir Hill for 15 years, I renovated a house there, so just the fact of seeing little changes throughout the years has given me hope," said Andrea Tanner, of Reservoir Hill.

"It's a powerful thing, especially on (Martin Luther) King's birthday. They say 'change street by street, corner by corner.' The only way we're going to start to change is by putting more jobs out here," said Marlo King, of Bolton Hill. "We're willing to change, the community is willing to change, but they really have to put into effect what they are preaching."

Shannon Price, who is starting her own business, said she's looking for resources and knowledge.

"I think an Innovation Village can offer all of that," she said.

Innovation Village organizers said they will also work in partnership with existing community organizations.